Chapter 898: Triumphant Return
The half-demons returned to the 875th division of Wood Spirit Theater after twenty days. Millions of human cultivators gathered here.
Each camp required a strategist stronghold with sufficient supply. The soldiers could return to rest afterward and exchange their points to replenish gears and materials.
“Look, the half-demons from Crimson Leaf.”
“Keke, yeah, how lucky, some actually survived.”
“Doesn’t look too good. Five hundred entered and only a few dozens returned.”
“They probably got scared out of their mind and fled.”
Since half-demons were new on the battlefield, the cultivators from the division were greatly interested.
The prodigies from the ancient clans, even those from the medial clans, came to sneer and treated them as losers who fled.
Some took delight in others’ misfortune, especially the prideful members of the ancient clans who looked down on those they deemed wretched.
The half-demons were bloodied and injured. A few had to be carried back due to the serious nature of their injuries.
However, the jeering crowd showed no sympathy and didn’t hold back on their criticisms and taunts, treating the half-demons like monkeys. The more these half-demons became infuriated, the happier they became.
Bullying the weak was a common sight. If one kept on enduring without biting back, they would be bullied even more due to a perceived weakness.
Of course, a few were sympathetic. One wise old man shouted at his own sect members: “They fought for the human race. Though they are battered and defeated, this is still worthy of respect.”
A female successor of a sacred palace spoke: “The half-demon alliance is at a disadvantage with only five hundred combatants on top of being separated by other human regiments. The fact that they came back alive without support is great, keep your mouth shut.”
The half-demons silently walked forward with pride instead of fear despite injuries.
“Oh? They’re walking to the contribution department, they got contribution points?” Someone was surprised.
“Their commanders are relatively strong, killing a few stray demons shouldn’t have been a problem.” Another laughed.
Numerous spectators wanted to watch the show and gathered right outside of the contribution department, wanting to see how many points these lowly beings gathered.
“Look at them, so rude, wanting to laugh at us.” s.h.i.+ Dakai’s face and hairy body were covered in blood as he said indignantly.
Feiyun, on the other hand, was completely clean. Though he had numerous injuries, his Buddhist energy easily healed them. He nonchalantly said: “Let them watch all the way. Oh? They’re back too.”
s.h.i.+ Dakai followed his gaze and saw armies on the horizon. There were several hundred thousand cultivators; the majority wore armor and had banners with their clans’ insignia - “Gu”, “Golden Sacred Palace”, “Murong”, “Huang”...
The banners all had a blinding glow, making it hard for others to stare straight at them.
The ones in front were great geniuses, either talents from the medial clans or immortal cities and sacred palaces. The men were handsome and capable while the women were as beautiful as fairies. They chatted happily while returning to the camp.
“They’re back from Tiger’s Roar Minor Dimension. Those armies are sent by their clans to protect them.”
Their return caused quite a stir. Everyone ran out to take a look, being far more invested. This commotion was louder than the return of the half-demons.
“The man in golden armor is the young lord of Golden Sacred Palace, a supreme genius. Just eighteen and already has more than 3,000 contribution points.”
“The kingdom-toppling beauty shrouded in radiance is the saintess of Galaxy Sacred Palace, often referred to as a fairy. Numerous medial members want to court her.”
These geniuses were quite famous and had impressive cultivation.
Liu Suzi and Eighth Lord Gu among others were there as well.
Eighth Lord Gu looked oppressive in his battle armor. He loudly said: “Tiger’s Roar was no big deal, nothing scary at all. We ma.s.sacred demons like dogs.”
Murong Jiankang rode a fierce beast and held a sky halberd. He laughed: “Our teamwork managed to destroy a lair with several hundred thousand demons. Each of us should be able to get several hundred points.”
He spoke loudly in order to let everyone else in the camp hear about their success. This moved the crowd because it was indeed an impressive feat.
No wonder why this group looked so excited. Anyone would want to brag about it.
“That’s incredible, it has been several years since our camp has a victory like this.”
“The demons are wily with incredible spirit awareness. Destroying their lair is easier said than done. That’s why they’re the top geniuses of Crimson Leaf.”
The geniuses directly walked towards the contribution department in order to redeem their points.
Meanwhile, the half-demons were still in the line since there was quite a crowd here. They looked shabby compared to the bright and glorious geniuses.
Nonetheless, someone still noticed them.
“Oh? The elites from the half-demon alliance? I thought there were five hundred of them, where are the rest now?” Eighth Lord Gu told his servant.
This servant was A’gou who was previously taught a lesson by Feiyun.
“None of your business!” s.h.i.+ Dakai angrily shouted.
Eighth Lord Gu stared at the “survivors” before gazing at Feiyun. He nodded and said: “Not bad, surviving the battlefield requires some skills. How many points do you have?”
“This was our first time on the battlefield, how can we compare to the great geniuses from the big clans? Just surviving is more than enough.” Feiyun calmly smiled.
Everyone could hear the implication - that the group was only successful because they had ample resources and protectors. It had nothing to do with skills.
“Reality can be cruel and hard to accept. It’s okay, it’s okay, they’re just contribution points, you can get them later.” Eighth Lord Gu smirked.
Many could see the animosity between these two. Eighth Lord Gu was pouring salt on the half-demons’ wounds.
They also thought that Feng Feiyun must be extremely embarra.s.sed right now, maybe wanting to commit suicide too.
Liu Suzi felt bad for Feiyun and decided to help: “Eighth, do you want to redeem your points or not? I’ll take them all otherwise.”
Eighth Lord Gu respected and feared Liu Suzi. He was aware of Feng Feiyun being her acquaintance and didn’t want to go to the extreme in front of her. He smiled and moved on.
Destroying a lair was a big achievement so they skipped the line.
“Brother Feng, we clearly did something great, why didn’t you let them know? It’ll shock the h.e.l.l out of them.” s.h.i.+ Dakai whispered.
“A man must stay humble.” Feiyun chuckled.
As the half-demons nearly got to the front, the geniuses were finished with their point redemption.
Murong Jiankang smiled and said: “I got 479 points this time, what about you, Brother Gu?”
“I want to give my generals some points so I should have around 600 left. So all in all, I have more than 2,800 now.” Eighth Lord Gu responded.
“Looks like you did well this time, more than the last decade combined.”
“No, the ones who really did well were Young n.o.ble Zi and Golden Young Lord. They probably have more than 5,000 points after this, definitely among the top ten of the young generation in the southwest.”
Suddenly, they heard a loud commotion and gasps from the department behind them, prompting them to turn around in confusion.